If music be the love of life, play on at Mile of Music 12

When she and her husband Ben perform, Kassie Wilson likes to ask audience members how long they have been married.

 The couple, known professionally as Goldpine, an award-winning Americana duo, has been married for 16 years.

Wednesday night at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Kassie’s question unearthed a couple who had been married 65 years.

“What’s the secret?” she asked, after remarking that 65 years is the longest response she’d ever received.

“Music,” the gentleman called out.          

Exactly.

And if, as Shakespeare and that happy husband agree, music be the food of love, play on.

How lucky we are to have so many gifted musicians make their way to our city for a four-day feast.

I plan to be a glutton.

We got a taste of the magic at the First Songs Concert Wednesday night, where we heard eight acts all making their Mile of Music debut.

Yesterday, I caught up with some of my favorite acts from last year, and a bunch of new ones too.

Gorgeous harmonies swelled over the crowds from groups like Goldpine, Minor Gold, the Rebel Eves, Lauren Housley and the Northern Cowboys, and Admiral Radio.

And that’s also music’s gift.

Because if voices can achieve such lovely harmony, humans can too.

I hope to see you all at Mile of Music this weekend.

I am always astounded by the sheer talent and generous vulnerability these artists offer in the songs they perform and the stories they tell.

I can’t wait to hear your favorites.

Here are some of the acts I’ve seen so far this year: